Black grouse are extraordinary birds of moorland edges — males gather at dawn lek sites in spectacular display. With a 70% UK decline since 1970, their welfare depends on the mosaic of heather, bog and woodland they require.
Black grouse welfare at lek sites is affected by disturbance during the pre-dawn display period. Birdwatchers approaching leks in the dark, or walkers with dogs crossing lek areas at dawn, cause birds to flee — disrupting the display behaviour essential for pair formation. Disturbed leks may be abandoned for the season. Habitat management welfare requirements are complex: black grouse need young, open woodland with bilberry, insects and shelter alongside open heather moorland for display and feeding. Specialist agri-environment scheme payments for black grouse-friendly management (delayed heather cutting, rush pasture management, woodland edge creation) provide the economic incentive needed for appropriate land management.